Outdoor apparatus with thermally conditioned air

ABSTRACT

An outdoor apparatus, such as a table or tower with integrated air conditioning for providing thermally conditioned air to users. The apparatus disperses conditioned air to people in the vicinity, more specifically directing vents to both the people&#39;s head region and torso region. A fan within the pedestal has a fan inlet communicative with the ambient air inlet for drawing ambient air into the pedestal for thermal conditioning and also has a fan outlet communicative with the conditioned air outlets for supplying conditioned air to users. A heat exchanger is interposed between the ambient air inlet and the fan inlet, and a working fluid supply is fluidly communicative with the heat exchanger for thermally conditioning the ambient air. The tabletop embodiment enhances the cooling by utilizing the table to entrapping the conditioned air about the person&#39;s torso.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This Continuation-In-Part Utility application claims the benefit ofco-pending U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 12/641,293,filed on Dec. 17, 2009 and U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser.No. 12/641,294, filed on Dec. 17, 2009, both of which are incorporatedherein in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure generally relates to apparatuses and methods forconditioning the temperature of air for the comfort of individualsproximate to the apparatus. More particularly, the present disclosurerelates to a table or tower with an integrated air conditioning systemfor use in an open air or outdoor setting.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Leisure time for many individuals includes enjoyment of open air andoutdoors environments. For some, this may include hikes through a forestor landscaping the back yard. For others, a round of golf or asightseeing trip is the preferred activity. However, for manyindividuals relaxation is composed of entertaining family or friends onthe back yard patio around one or more tables. Other open air andoutdoor activities are also popular such as informal businessgatherings, receptions, and social hours and are typically conducted atpoolside, on a large patio, or other similar gathering area where anumber of tables may be found for outdoor dining, games, orconversation. While experiencing the outdoors is a preference of many intheir pursuit of leisure, relaxing, and socializing, these activitiesmust usually be accomplished at the mercy of the current whims of theweather. The overwhelming preference for these activities is to conductthem on bright sunshine days. However, in many climes, conducting theseactivities in direct sunlight also means that the participants areexposed to heat, sunshine, and humidity that, if not within a smallcomfort band, can become uncomfortable within a short time period.

Umbrellas, tents and gazebos have been utilized in the past to provideshade for gatherings of various sizes. While, such structures provideareas of shade under which people can gather and can accommodate alarger or smaller numbers of people, these structures do not address theunderlying ambient temperature and humidity factors which are alsoimportant elements of comfort. Further, attempting to enclose a tent orgazebo and provide the structure with conditioned air for the comfort ofeveryone housed therein can be logistically difficult at best andprohibitively costly at worst. Enclosing these structures alsocounteracts the aesthetic aspects of the open air or outdoor environmentwhich was originally desired to enhance the gathering in the firstplace. Such enclosures merely function to force a gathering's populationinto a single designated space in total without regard to individualpreferences or accommodation of sub-groupings of participants.

In particular, while a particular gathering may involve a significantnumber of people overall, within the total population of the gathering,a number of smaller intimate groups are occurring simultaneously. Thesesmaller groups may typically involve ten or fewer participants engagedin topical discussions. Individuals typically float from one small groupto another, or from table to table during the course of the total event.Thus, while the overall population of the event remains relativelyconstant, the smaller groups are dynamic and typically vary slightly insize within the size range of ten or fewer over the course of the event.

Air conditioning systems can be provided utilising a variety of thermalconditioning processes. A first such means incorporates a commonly knownself-contained four-cycle process. A second such means utilizes athermal working fluid and a heat exchanger. The working fluid can beliquid, compressed gas, and the like. A third utilizes evaporativecooling. Evaporative cooling is a physical phenomenon in whichevaporation of a liquid, typically into surrounding air, cools an objector a liquid in contact with it. Latent heat describes the amount of heatthat is needed to evaporate the liquid; this heat comes from the liquiditself and the surrounding gas and surfaces. When considering waterevaporating into air, the wet-bulb temperature, as compared to the air'sdry-bulb temperature, is a measure of the potential for evaporativecooling. The greater the difference between the two temperatures, thegreater the evaporative cooling effect. Contrarily, when thetemperatures are the same, no net evaporation of water in air occurs,thus there is no cooling effect.

The comfort demands of these smaller groups can also vary. Some groupsmay desire to sit at a table in the sunshine, while others may desirethe comfort of conditioned air and shade. Therefore, there is a need forproviding to smaller groups within a larger event population in anoutdoor or open air environment, a table capable of deliveringconditioned air for the comfort of the individuals within the smallergroup without concurrently detracting from the outdoor or open airexperience.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure is generally directed to an outdoor, weatherresistant apparatus such as a table with integrated air conditioning forproviding thermally conditioned air to users seated at the table andincludes a table pedestal defining at least one ambient air inlet. Atabletop is supported by the table pedestal and also defines a firstconditioned air outlet vertically positioned at a height to coincidewith the torso of a sitting human and a second conditioned air outletpositioned to direct conditioned air above the tabletop. A fan withinthe table pedestal has a fan inlet communicative with the ambient airinlet for drawing ambient air into the pedestal for thermal conditioningand also has a fan outlet communicative with the first and said secondconditioned air outlets for supplying conditioned air to users. A firstheat exchanger is interposed between the ambient air inlet and theconditioned air outlet, and a working fluid supply is fluidlycommunicative with the first heat exchanger for thermally conditioningthe ambient air.

In another aspect, the outdoor air conditioning table includes apedestal housing defining at least one ambient air inlet, and a tabletopsupported by the table pedestal. The tabletop defines a firstconditioned air outlet vertically positioned at a height to coincidewith the torso of a sitting human and a second conditioned air outletpositioned to direct conditioned air above the tabletop. A fan withinthe table pedestal has a fan inlet communicative with the ambient airinlet for drawing ambient air into the pedestal for thermal conditioningand also has a fan outlet communicative with the first and said secondconditioned air outlets for supplying conditioned air to users. A firstheat exchanger is interposed between the ambient air inlet and theconditioned air outlet, and an underground working fluid supply conduitis fluidly communicative with the first heat exchanger for thermallyconditioning the ambient air.

In another aspect, the table comprises an exhaust conduit for expellingwaste air as a by-product of the conditioning cycle. The exhaust conduitis routed to discharge the waste air at a location and direction awayfrom the users sitting around the table or standing around the tower.

In still another aspect, the table pedestal defines a second ambient airinlet, and the table further includes a mast extending upwardly from thetable pedestal and above the tabletop. The mast further defines anexhaust conduit for expelling waste air as a by-product of theconditioning cycle. A second fan is located within the table pedestaland has a fan inlet communicative with the second ambient air inlet fordrawing ambient air into the table pedestal and a fan outletcommunicative with the exhaust conduit. Also included within the tablepedestal is a second heat exchanger interposed between the secondambient air inlet and the second fan inlet. The first and second heatexchangers are fluidly communicative for cycling the working fluidtherebetween during the thermal conditioning cycle.

In yet another aspect, the table can utilize compressed air providedfrom a remote location via an underground conduit. An expansion valve(or series of expansion valves) can be disposed between and inlet fromthe underground conduit and a conditioned air outlet, wherein theexpansion valve reduces the temperature of the provided compressed airas it passes through the expansion valve(s).

In yet another aspect, the table can utilize conditioned air providedfrom a remote location via an underground conduit. A fan can be disposedbetween and inlet from the underground conduit and a conditioned airoutlet.

In yet another aspect, the mast can include a selectively extendablecanopy at an upper end of the mast.

In a still further aspect, the mast includes at least one selectivelyilluminable light at an upper end of the mast.

A second exemplary embodiment of an outdoor, weather resistant apparatusis a tower for providing thermally conditioned air to users locatedproximate to the tower includes a tower housing defining at least oneambient air inlet, a first conditioned air outlet vertically positionedat a height to coincide with the torso of a standing human, and a secondconditioned air outlet vertically positioned at a height to coincidewith the head of a standing human. The tower integrates components asdescribed in the table configuration.

In another aspect, the outdoor air conditioning tower includes a towerhousing defining at least one ambient air inlet, a first conditioned airoutlet vertically positioned at a height to coincide with the torso of astanding human, and a second conditioned air outlet verticallypositioned at a height to coincide with the head of a standing human. Afan within the tower housing has a fan inlet communicative with theambient air inlet for drawing ambient air into the tower for thermalconditioning and also has a fan outlet communicative with the first andsaid second conditioned air outlets for supplying conditioned air tousers. A heat exchanger is interposed between the ambient air inlet andthe conditioned air outlet, and an underground working fluid supplyconduit is fluidly communicative with the heat exchanger for thermallyconditioning the ambient air.

In another aspect, the tower comprises an exhaust conduit for expellingwaste air as a by-product of the conditioning cycle. The exhaust conduitis routed to discharge the waste air at a location and direction awayfrom the users standing around the tower.

In still another aspect, the tower housing defines a second ambient airinlet, and the tower further includes a mast extending upwardly from thetower housing, and defines an exhaust conduit for expelling waste air asa by-product of the conditioning cycle. A second fan is located withinthe tower housing and has a fan inlet communicative with the secondambient air inlet for drawing ambient air into the tower and a fanoutlet communicative with the exhaust conduit. Also included within thetower housing is a condenser or second heat exchanger interposed betweenthe second ambient air inlet and the second fan inlet. The condenser andheat exchanger are fluidly communicative for cycling the working fluidtherebetween during the thermal conditioning cycle.

These and other advantages of the invention will be further understoodand appreciated by those skilled in the art by reference to thefollowing written specification, claims and appended drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described, by way of example, with referenceto the accompanying drawings, where like numerals denote like elementsand in which:

FIG. 1 presents a perspective view of an exemplary outdoor table withintegrated air conditioning and including an exhaust mast and umbrella;

FIG. 2 presents an elevation view of the outdoor table of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 presents an elevation functional schematic view of an outdoortable with integrated air conditioning according to an embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 4 presents an elevation functional schematic view of an alternateembodiment of an outdoor table with integrated air conditioning whereina thermal working fluid is remotely supplied;

FIG. 5 presents an elevation functional schematic view of anotheralternate embodiment of an outdoor table with integrated airconditioning wherein the thermal working fluid is compressed air;

FIG. 6 presents an elevation functional schematic view of yet anotheralternate embodiment of an outdoor table with integrated airconditioning wherein the thermal working fluid is cooled air;

FIG. 7 presents a perspective view of a yet another exemplary outdoortable with integrated air conditioning;

FIG. 8 presents an elevation functional schematic view of yet anotheralternate embodiment of an outdoor table incorporating evaporativecooling;

FIG. 9 presents an elevation functional schematic view of an exemplary,self-contained, outdoor air conditioning tower according to anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 presents an elevation functional schematic view of an alternateembodiment of an outdoor air conditioning tower wherein a thermalworking fluid is remotely supplied;

FIG. 11 presents an elevation functional schematic view of aself-contained outdoor air conditioning tower including an umbrella;

FIG. 12 presents an elevation functional schematic view of an alternateembodiment of an outdoor air conditioning tower wherein the thermalworking fluid is compressed air;

FIG. 13 presents an elevation functional schematic view of an alternateembodiment of an outdoor air conditioning tower wherein the thermalworking fluid is conditioned air;

FIG. 14 presents a perspective view of another exemplary tower fordisbursement of air conditioning; and

FIG. 15 presents an elevation functional schematic view of yet anotheralternate embodiment of the tower incorporating evaporative cooling.

Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various viewsof the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and isnot intended to limit the described embodiments or the application anduses of the described embodiments. As used herein, the word “exemplary”or “illustrative” means “serving as an example, instance, orillustration.” Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” or“illustrative” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred oradvantageous over other implementations. All of the implementationsdescribed below are exemplary implementations provided to enable personsskilled in the art to make or use the embodiments of the disclosure andare not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, which is definedby the claims. For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper”,“lower”, “left”, “rear”, “right”, “front”, “vertical”, “horizontal”, andderivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in FIG. 1.Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed orimplied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background,brief summary or the following detailed description. It is also to beunderstood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in theattached drawings, and described in the following specification, aresimply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in theappended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physicalcharacteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not tobe considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

Turning to the drawings, FIGS. 1-3 show an outdoor table with integratedair conditioning 100, which is one of the preferred embodiments of thepresent invention and illustrates its various components. A tablepedestal 120 rests upon a floor or ground surface 16. Table pedestal 120defines a first ambient air inlet 122 and a second ambient air inlet124. The first ambient air inlet 122 and second ambient air inlet 124can be located at any reasonable location within the table pedestal 120.A horizontally oriented tabletop 180 is supported at a usable height bytable pedestal 120 such that users 10 can be seated therearound andcomfortable access an upper surface 182 of tabletop 180. Tabletop 180also defines one or more first conditioned air outlets 126 for directingconditioned air approximately coincident with the height of a humantorso 12. First conditioned air outlets 126 can be positionedintermediately below table surface 182 as illustrated in FIGS. 1-2 orintegral with an outer edge 184 as illustrated in FIG. 3, or anywherebelow the tabletop 180 such as being integral with the table pedestal120. Tabletop 180 also defines one or more second conditioned airoutlets 128 more central to top surface 182 of tabletop 180 fordirecting conditioned air to the area above tabletop 180, wherein theairflow is specifically directed to provide comfort to the area of auser's head 14. Those practiced in the art will recognize that the outerform factor of table base 120 and tabletop 180 can assume many shapessuch as circular, square, or polygonal as non-limiting examples.

A mast 160 extends upwardly from table pedestal 120 and above tabletop180. Mast 160 can be decorative, functional, or both. In the presentembodiment of the table 100, the mast 160 is functional and defines anexhaust conduit 162 for expelling waste air that is a by-product of theair conditioning cycle, being directed away from the table's occupants.As illustrated in FIGS. 1-2, mast 160 in either a decorative orfunctional configuration as a waste air exhaust can include aselectively extendable canopy 170 at an upper end 164 thereof. Further,mast 160 can also support one or more illuminable lights 176 at upperend 164 to enable use of table 100 during periods of minimal light ordarkness.

Positioned within table pedestal 120 is a first fan 130 having an inlet132 fluidly communicative with first ambient air inlet 122 and an outlet134 fluidly communicative with first and second conditioned air outlets126, 128 via conditioned air conduits 138. Also positioned within base121 of housing 120 is a second fan 140 having an inlet 142 fluidlycommunicative with second ambient air inlet 124 and an outlet 144fluidly communicative with exhaust conduit 162.

A first heat exchanger 136 is preferably interposed between firstambient air inlet 122 and first fan inlet 132, and a second heatexchanger 146 is interposed between second ambient air inlet 124 andsecond fan inlet 142. First heat exchanger 136 and second heat exchanger146 is fluidly interconnected with a working fluid supply cyclicallycommunicative between first heat exchanger 136 and second heat exchanger146 via one or more working fluid supply conduits 150. It is understoodthe first heat exchanger 136 can be interposed between the first fanoutlet 134 and first and second conditioned air outlets 126, 128.Likewise, the second heat exchanger 146 can be interposed between thesecond fan outlet 144 and the exhaust conduit 162.

In use, users 10 may sit at an outdoor table with integrated airconditioning 100 to eat, converse, or engage in other activitiesrequiring a tabletop. Assuming the individuals desire to have thermallyconditioned air make direct contact with them, table 100 can beactivated using control panel 156. Controls 156 may be operated manuallyor set to automatically cycle depending on the desires of the users.Upon activation, fans 130 and 140 begin to draw external ambient airthrough ambient air inlets 122, 124 respectively. Ambient air “A” drawnthrough first ambient air inlet 122 is passed through first heatexchanger 136 whereupon it is thermally conditioned by the flow ofworking fluid circulating between first heat exchanger 136 and secondheat exchanger 146 in an evaporation-condensation cycle known in theart. As the conditioned air “A” exits first heat exchanger 136 andenters first fan 130, the conditioned air is directed through outlet 134of first fan 130 through conditioned air conduits 138 and subsequentlyexpelled back to the desired climate controlled environment throughfirst and second conditioned air outlets 126, 128 as thermallyconditioned air (Arrows “B”) for the comfort of the users 10 seatedtherearound. Conditioned air “B” exits from first conditioned airoutlets 126 positioned to direct the conditioned air at the heads 14 andtorsos 12 (including the user's lower body) of the users 10, andconditioned air “B” exits from second conditioned air outlets 128positioned to direct the air above tabletop 180 for the comfort of thearea of the heads 14 of users 10. Although two fans 130, 140 areillustrated. It is understood that the system can utilize a single fanor a plurality of fans to accomplish the conveyance of air.

Concurrent with the thermal conditioning of air as it passes throughfirst heat exchanger 136, second fan 140 draws ambient air “A” throughsecond heat exchanger 146 which conditions the working fluid of thethermodynamic cycle prior to the energy transfer process of heatexchanger 136. This airflow becomes waste air (Arrow “C”) and isexpelled from outlet 144 of second fan 140 through exhaust conduit 162of mast 160.

Airflow is directed towards the user 10, such as via Arrow “B”. Theconditioned air becomes entrapped by the user and the bottom surface ofthe tabletop 182. This increases the efficiency of the air conditioningprocess as well as the comfort to the user 10.

Turning now to FIG. 4, an alternate embodiment outdoor table withintegrated air conditioning 200 is illustrated. Like features of table200 and table 100 are numbered the same except preceded by the numeral‘2’. Outdoor table with integrated air conditioning 200 includes a tablepedestal 220 from which an optional decorative mast (not shown) canupwardly extend in manner similar to table 100. Decorative mast 260 mayalso include an extendable canopy or illuminable lights (not shown) asdescribed above. A horizontally oriented tabletop 280 is supported at ausable height by table pedestal 220 and defines one or more firstconditioned air outlets 226 positioned intermediately below tablesurface 282 or can be integral with an outer edge 284. Pedestal 220defines a single ambient air inlet 222. A fan 230 having an inlet 232fluidly communicative with ambient air inlet 222 and an outlet 234 isfluidly communicative with first and second conditioned air outlets 226,228 via conditioned air conduits 238. A heat exchanger 236 is interposedbetween ambient air inlet 222 and fan inlet 232. A working fluid supplyconduit 250 delivers working fluid to heat exchanger 236 from a centralor remote reservoir (not shown) and working fluid return conduit 252returns working fluid to the remote reservoir after exiting from heatexchanger 236. Conduits 250, 252 are typically concealed such as bybeing routed underground to prevent clutter to the gathering area ordamage from users 10. It is understood, the heat exchanger 236 can beinterposed between the fan outlet 234 and first and second conditionedair outlets 226, 228. The conduits 250, 252 can be concealed via anyreasonable means, including being buried, positioned below a deck, belowa false floor, within a raceway, and the like.

In use, the users desiring to have conditioned air delivered from table200 utilize controls 256 to initiate operation of table 200. Uponactivation, fan 230 begins to draw external ambient air through ambientair inlet 222. Ambient air “A” drawn through ambient air inlet 222 ispassed through heat exchanger 236 whereupon it is thermally conditionedby the flow of working fluid circulating from supply conduit 250 (Arrow“C”), through heat exchanger 236 and returned to a remote reservoirthrough return conduit 252 (Arrow “D”) in an evaporation-condensationcycle known in the art. As the conditioned air “A” exits heat exchanger236 and enters fan 230, the conditioned air is directed through outlet234 of fan 230 through conditioned air conduits 238 and subsequentlydirecting the chilled air targeting the user through first and secondconditioned air outlets 226, 228 as thermally conditioned air “B” forthe comfort of users 10 seated therearound. Conditioned air “B” exitsfrom first conditioned air outlets 226 positioned to direct theconditioned air at the torsos 12 of the users 10, and additionalconditioned air “B” exits from second conditioned air outlets 228positioned to target the conditioned air to the area above tabletop 280directed towards the heads 14 of the user 10 for their comfort.

Illustrated in FIG. 5, yet another embodiment outdoor table withintegrated air conditioning 300 is shown. Like features of table 300 andtable 200 are numbered the same except preceded by the numeral ‘3’.Outdoor table with integrated air conditioning 300 is substantially thesame as table 200, however there is only a working compressed air supplyconduit 350, typically concealed by being buried underground, but thereis no return conduit. Table 300 utilizes compressed air as the workingfluid to be delivered to expansion valve 330 through supply conduit 350(Arrow “C”). Compressed air delivered through conduit 350 ispreconditioned remote from table 300. At expansion valve 330, thecompressed air expands reducing the pressure and temperature to obtainthe desired thermally conditioned air. The thermally conditioned air isthen directed through conduits 338 for delivery through outlets 326, 328as thermally conditioned air “B” for the comfort of the humans 10 seatedtherearound.

Illustrated in FIG. 6, yet another embodiment outdoor table withintegrated air conditioning 400 is shown. Like features of table 400,table 300, and table 200 are numbered the same except preceded by thenumeral ‘4’. Outdoor table with integrated air conditioning 400 issubstantially the same as table 300 and table 200; however there is onlya cold air supply conduit 450, typically concealed by being buriedunderground. Table 400 utilises the supplied cold air distributed andpropelled via a fan 430 drawing the cold air from supply conduit 450(Arrow “C”). Cold air delivered through conduit 450 is preconditionedremote from table 400. The cold air is driven via the fan 430 throughconduits 438 for delivery through outlets 426, 428 as thermallyconditioned air “B” for the comfort of the humans 10 seated therearound.

An alternate exemplary form factor, referred to as a table 500, ispresented in FIG. 7. The table 500 comprises the functional elementspreviously presented, having a shaped base 520 allowing users tocomfortably sit about the circumference of a tabletop 580. A series ofbase vents 526 are disposed about an upper portion of the base 520,directing cold air towards the users. The base vents 526 can includeuser controllable air registers to direct the airflow targeting the useras well as controlling the rate of flow from each base vent 526. Thebottom surface 582 of the tabletop 580 maintains the thermallycontrolled air adjacent the users, thus creating a proximate climatecontrolled environment for comfort. An upper airflow discharge conduit520 can project through a top surface of the tabletop 580, the upperairflow discharge conduit 520 comprising a plurality of upper vents 528disposed about the periphery of the upper airflow discharge conduit 520.This configuration directs airflow at each of the users sitting aboutthe table 500. The upper vents 528 can include user controllable airregisters to direct the airflow targeting the user as well ascontrolling the rate of flow from each upper vent 528. The upper airflowdischarge conduit 520 is preferably of a height to avoid cooling of anyfood place upon the surface of the tabletop 580, while still directingthe airflow towards the users. An exhaust discharge conduit 562 can bedisposed through a central portion of the upper airflow dischargeconduit 520, directing the warmer air away from the users.

The outlet vents can comprise a vent control assembly, wherein said ventcontrol assembly controls the direction and flow rate of the dischargedcooled air passing outlet vents. An exemplary vent control assemblywould be similar to those used in an automobile or airplane.Alternately, a multi speed control and respective air handing fan can beintegrated into the system to control the flow rate of the dischargedconditioned air.

In each of the embodiments, the table comprises a pedestal assembly anda tabletop as best illustrated in FIG. 7. The tabletop has a peripheraledge “D” that is greater than the general girth of the pedestal “G”,providing a comfortable seating arrangement for the user. The undersideof the overhanging portion “O” of the tabletop creates a barrier to forma micro climate for the end user. The conditioned air is maintained bythe table supporting surface (ground), the underside of the overhangingportion of the tabletop, and the users.

Illustrated in FIG. 8, yet another embodiment outdoor table withintegrated air conditioning 600 is shown. Like features of table 600 andtable 100 are numbered the same except preceded by the numeral ‘6’.Outdoor table with integrated air conditioning 600 is substantially thesame as table 100, however the heat exchanger 636 utilizes anevaporative cooler 690 for conditioning the ambient air prior todischarging towards the end user. Conditioned air is forced through thetable's air registers to provide a high velocity stream of conditionedair. The conditioned air penetrates the environment and is directedtowards the occupants, providing thermal comfort thereto. Ambient air isdriven into the heat exchanger 636 via an inlet air register 624 by afan 630. The air passes across a evaporative cooler 690 to condition theair. The fan 630 continues to move the air from the heat exchanger 636through a conditioned air conduit 838. The conditioned air isdistributed in a manner as previously described in FIGS. 1-3.

Continuing with the drawings, FIG. 9 shows an outdoor air conditioningtower 1100, which is one of the preferred embodiments of the presentinvention and illustrates its various components. An upright and erecttower housing 1120 stands typically greater than the height of a humanuser. At a base 1121 thereof, housing 1120 defines a first ambient airinlet 1122 and a second ambient air inlet 1124. Further, at anintermediate height approximately coincident with the height of a humantorso 12, one or more first conditioned air outlets 1126 are definedabout a perimeter of tower housing 1120, and at a height approximatelycoincident with the height of a human head 14 one or more secondconditioned air outlets 1128 are defined about the perimeter of towerhousing 1120. The outdoor air conditioning tower 1100 is designedspecifically to direct the conditioned air to impinge upon the humans 10standing about the outdoor air conditioning tower 1100. It is recognizedthat the humans 10 may be seated or be in other positions while residingproximate the outdoor air conditioning tower 1100. The conditioned airoutlets 1126, 1128 can include a user controllable air register foraiding in flow control and direction of the discharged conditioned air.Those practiced in the art will recognize that the outer form factor oftower housing 1120 can assume many shapes such as cylindrical, multiplestacked cylinders, square, or polygonal as non-limiting examples.

A mast 1160 extends upwardly from an upper portion of tower housing1120. Mast 1160 can be decorative, functional, or both. In the presentembodiment of tower 1100, the mast 1160 is functional and defines anexhaust conduit 1162 for expelling waste air that is a by-product of theair conditioning cycle, being directed away from people standingproximate the outdoor air conditioning tower 1100. As illustrated inFIG. 11, mast 1160 in either a decorative or functional configuration asa waste air exhaust can include a selectively extendable canopy 1170 atan upper end 1164 thereof. Further, mast 1160 can also support one ormore illuminable lights 1176 at upper end 1164 to enable use of tower1100 during periods of darkness.

Positioned within a base 1121 of housing 1120 is a first fan 1130 havingan inlet 1132 fluidly communicative with first ambient air inlet 1122and an outlet 1134 fluidly communicative with first and secondconditioned air outlets 1126, 1128 via conditioned air conduits 1138.Also positioned within base 1121 of housing 1120 is a second fan 1140having an inlet 1142 fluidly communicative with second ambient air inlet1124 and an outlet 1144 fluidly communicative with exhaust conduit 1162.

A heat exchanger 1136 is preferably interposed between first ambient airinlet 1122 and first fan inlet 1132, and a second heat exchanger 1146 isinterposed between second ambient air inlet 1124 and second fan inlet1142. Heat exchanger 1136 and second heat exchanger 1146 are fluidlyinterconnected with a working fluid supply cyclically communicativebetween the exchanger 1136 and second heat exchanger 1146 via one ormore working fluid conduits supply conduits 1150.

In use, a group of individual humans 10 may congregate around or in theimmediate vicinity of outdoor air conditioning tower 1100. Assuming theindividuals desire to have the air in the immediate area thermallyconditioned, tower 1100 can be activated using control panel 1156.Controls 1156 may be operated manually or set to automatically cycledepending on the desires of the users. Upon activation, fans 1130 and1140 begin to draw external ambient air through ambient air inlets 1122,1124 respectively. Ambient air “A” drawn through first ambient air inlet1122 is passed through heat exchanger 1136 whereupon it is thermallyconditioned by the flow of working fluid circulating between heatexchanger 1136 and second heat exchanger 1146 in anevaporation-condensation cycle well known in the art. As the conditionedair “A” exits heat exchanger 1136 and enters first fan 1130, theconditioned air is directed through outlet 1134 of first fan 1130through conditioned air conduits 1138 and subsequently expelled back tothe ambient environment through first and second conditioned air outlets1126, 1128 as thermally conditioned air “B” for the comfort of thehumans 10 gathered therearound. Conditioned air “B” exits from firstconditioned air outlets 1126 vertically positioned to direct theconditioned air at the torsos 12 of the users 10, and conditioned air“B” exits from second conditioned air outlets 1128 vertically positionedto direct the air in the vicinity of the heads 14 of the users 10.

Concurrent with the thermal conditioning of air as it passes throughheat exchanger 1136, second fan 1140 draws ambient air “A” throughsecond heat exchanger 1146 to restore the working fluid to its originalstate prior to the energy transfer process of heat exchanger 1136. Thisairflow becomes waste air “C” and is expelled from outlet 1144 of secondfan 1140 through exhaust conduit 1162 of mast 1160.

Turning now to FIG. 10, an alternate embodiment outdoor air conditioningtower 1200 is illustrated. Like features of tower 1200 and tower 1100are numbered the same except preceded by the numeral ‘12’. Outdoor airconditioning tower 1200 includes a tower housing 1220 from whichextending upward is a decorative mast 1260. Decorative mast 1260 mayalso include an extendable canopy or illuminable lights (not shown) asdescribed above at an upper end 1264. Housing 1220 defines a singleambient air inlet 1222 at a base 1221 thereof, and conditioned airoutlets 1226, 1228 positioned similarly as with respect to tower 1100. Afan 1230 having an inlet 1232 fluidly communicative with ambient airinlet 1222 and an outlet 1234 fluidly communicative with first andsecond conditioned air outlets 1226, 1228 via conditioned air conduits1238. A working fluid supply conduit 1250 delivers working fluid to heatexchanger 1236 from a central or remote reservoir (not shown) andworking fluid return conduit 1252 returns working fluid to the remotereservoir after exiting from heat exchanger 1236. Conduits 1250, 1252are typically routed underground to prevent clutter to the gatheringarea or damage from users 10.

In use, the users desiring to have conditioned air delivered from tower1200 utilize controls 1256 to initiate operation of tower 1200. Uponactivation, fan 1230 begins to draw external ambient air through ambientair inlet 1222. Ambient air “A” drawn through ambient air inlet 1222 ispassed through heat exchanger 1236 whereupon it is thermally conditionedby the flow of working fluid circulating from supply conduit 1250 (Arrow“C”), through heat exchanger 1236 and returned to a remote reservoirthrough return conduit 1252 (Arrow “D”) in an evaporation-condensationcycle known in the art. As the conditioned air “A” exits heat exchanger1236 and enters fan 1230, the conditioned air is directed through outlet1234 of fan 1230 through conditioned air conduits 1238 and subsequentlyexpelled back to the ambient environment through first and secondconditioned air outlets 1226, 1228 as thermally conditioned air “B” forthe comfort of the humans 10 gathered therearound. Conditioned air “B”exits from first conditioned air outlets 1226 vertically positioned todirect the conditioned air at the torsos 12 of the users 10, andconditioned air “B” exits from second conditioned air outlets 1228vertically positioned to direct the air directly towards the heads 14 ofthe users 10 for their comfort.

Illustrated in FIG. 12 is yet another embodiment outdoor airconditioning tower 1300 is shown. Like features of tower 1300 and tower1200 are numbered the same except preceded by the numeral ‘13’. Outdoorair conditioning tower 1300 is generally similar the same as tower 1200,however there is only a working compressed air conduit 1350, typicallyburied underground, but no return conduit. Tower 1300 utilizescompressed air as the working fluid to be delivered to an expansionvalve 1330 through supply conduit 1350 (Arrow “C”). At expansion valve1330, the compressed air expands reducing the pressure and temperatureto obtain the desired thermally conditioned air. The thermallyconditioned air is then directed through conduits 1338 for deliverythrough outlets 1326, 1328 as thermally conditioned air “B” for thecomfort of the humans 10 gathered therearound.

Illustrated in FIG. 13 is yet another embodiment outdoor airconditioning tower 1400 is shown. Like features of tower 1400 and towers1200, 1300 are numbered the same except preceded by the numeral ‘14’.Outdoor air conditioning tower 1400 is generally similar the same astowers 1200, 1300, however there is only a working conditioned airconduit 1450, typically buried underground, but no return conduit. Tower1400 utilizes conditioned air as the working fluid to be deliveredthrough supply conduit 1450 (Arrow “C”) via a fan 1430. Tower 1400utilizes the supplied cold air distributed and propelled via a fan 1430drawing the cold air from supply conduit 1450 (Arrow “C”). Cold airdelivered through conduit 1450 is preconditioned remote from tower 1400.The cold air is driven via the fan 1430 through conduits 1438 fordelivery through outlets 1426, 1428 as thermally conditioned air “B” forthe comfort of the humans 10 positioned therearound.

An alternate exemplary form factor, referred to as a tower 1500, ispresented in FIG. 14. The tower 1500 comprises the functional elementspreviously presented including a base 1521 and an upright and erecttower housing 1520. A series of central vents 1526 and upper vents 1528,1529 are disposed about a central and an upper portion of the base 1521,respectively, directing cold air towards the users (in a manner similarto that which was previously presented). The upper vents present twooptional form factors, the upper vent 1528 being horizontallyconfigured, and the upper vent 1529 being vertically configured. Thevents 1526, 1528, 1529 can include user controllable air registers todirect the airflow targeting the user as well as controlling the rate offlow from each vent 1526, 1528. The configuration directs airflow ateach of the users standing about the tower 1500. An exhaust dischargeconduit 1562 can be disposed through a central portion of the uprightand erect tower housing 1520, directing the warmer air away from theusers.

The outlet vents can comprise a vent control assembly, wherein said ventcontrol assembly controls the direction and flow rate of the dischargedconditioned air passing outlet vents. An exemplary vent control assemblywould be similar to those used in an automobile or airplane.

### Turning now to FIG. 15, an alternate embodiment outdoor airconditioning tower 1600 is illustrated. Like features of tower 1600 andtower 1100 are numbered the same except preceded by the numeral ‘16’.Outdoor air conditioning tower 1600 includes a tower housing 1620 fromwhich extending upward is a decorative mast 1660. Decorative mast 1660may also include an extendable canopy or illuminable lights (not shown)as described above at an upper end 1664. Housing 1620 defines a singleambient air inlet 1622 at a base 1621 thereof, and conditioned airoutlets 1626, 1628 positioned similarly as with respect to tower 1600. Afan 1630 having an inlet 1632 fluidly communicative with ambient airinlet 1622 and an outlet 1634 fluidly communicative with first andsecond conditioned air outlets 1626, 1628 via conditioned air conduit1638.

In use, the users desiring to have conditioned air delivered from tower1600 utilize controls 1656 to initiate operation of tower 1600. Uponactivation, fan 1630 begins to draw external ambient air through ambientair inlet 1622. Ambient air “A” drawn through ambient air inlet 1622 ispassed through heat exchanger 1636 whereupon it is thermally conditionedby an evaporative cooler 1690 integrated into heat exchanger 1636. Asthe conditioned air “A” exits heat exchanger 1636 and enters fan 1630,the conditioned air is directed through outlet 1634 of fan 1630 throughconditioned air conduits 1638 and subsequently expelled back to theambient environment through first and second conditioned air outlets1626, 1628 as thermally conditioned air “B” for the comfort of thehumans 10 gathered therearound. Conditioned air “B” exits from firstconditioned air outlets 1626 vertically positioned to direct theconditioned air at the torsos 12 of the users 10, and conditioned air“B” exits from second conditioned air outlets 1628 vertically positionedto direct the air directly towards the heads 14 of the users 10 fortheir comfort.

Each of the tables 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600 and towers 1100, 1200,1300, 1400, 1500, 1600 is preferably fabricated with considerations forthe environment. The various electrical components are provided withweather sensitive considerations, to avoid any intrusion of water, dust,and the like. Additionally, the table can include insulation forreducing thermal deviations. The materials would be selected consideringan outdoor application, being UV resistant, incorporating expansionjoints, and the like. The table would additionally include water ormoisture control features, such as moisture collection and dischargechannels. The components are preferably fabricated of corrosionresistant materials, treated for corrosion resistance, protected toavoid exposure for corrosion, and the like.

It is understood that the above disclosure is provided for directingcooled air toward a plurality of users sitting about a table. It isunderstood that the heat exchanger can be adapted to disperse hot air aswell as cool air, while maintaining within the spirit and intent of thepresent invention.

Since many modifications, variations, and changes in detail can be madeto the described preferred embodiments of the invention, it is intendedthat all matters in the foregoing description and shown in theaccompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in alimiting sense. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined bythe appended claims and their legal equivalence.

1. An outdoor cooling device with integrated cooling for providingconditioned air to users positioned adjacent to the cooling device, saidcooling device comprising: a pedestal; a vertically disposed conduitextending upwards from said pedestal; at least one ambient air inletprovided through said pedestal; a first conditioned air outletvertically positioned at a height to coincide with a torso of anadjacent human and a second conditioned air outlet positioned to directconditioned air to coincide with a head of said adjacent human; a fanwithin said pedestal, said fan having a fan inlet communicative withsaid ambient air inlet for drawing ambient air into said pedestal forconditioning and a fan outlet communicative with said first and saidsecond conditioned air outlets for supplying conditioned air to users;and a first heat exchanger within said table pedestal and interposedbetween said ambient air inlet and at least one of said firstconditioned air outlet and said second conditioned air outlet; whereinsaid first heat exchanger utilises evaporative cooling.
 2. An outdoorcooling device with integrated air conditioning as recited in claim 1,the device further comprising: a table top; said vertically disposedconduit positioned through a central location of said table top; saidtable top being vertically positioned between said first conditioned airoutlet and said second conditioned air outlet.
 3. An outdoor coolingdevice with integrated air conditioning as recited in claim 2, thedevice further comprising: said first conditioned air outlet beingdisposed proximate an edge of said tabletop; and a tabletop conduitproviding fluid communication between said vertically disposed conduitand said first conditioned air outlet.
 4. An outdoor cooling device withintegrated air conditioning as recited in claim 3 wherein said tabletopconduit being disposed within said tabletop member.
 5. An outdoorcooling device with integrated air conditioning as recited in claim 1further including a fluid supply conduit for delivering a working fluidto said first heat exchanger from a remote working fluid supplyreservoir.
 6. An outdoor cooling device with integrated air conditioningas recited in claim 1 further including a user controllable air registerat each of said first conditioned air outlet and said second conditionedair outlet.
 7. An outdoor cooling device with integrated cooling forproviding conditioned air to users positioned adjacent to the coolingdevice, said cooling device comprising: a pedestal; a verticallydisposed conduit extending upwards from said pedestal; at least oneambient air inlet provided through said pedestal; a plurality of firstconditioned air outlets spatially positioned about a perimeter of saidpedestal at a height to coincide with a torso of an adjacent human and aplurality of second conditioned air outlets spatially positioned about aperimeter of said vertically disposed conduit to direct conditioned airto coincide with a head of said adjacent human; a fan within saidpedestal, said fan having a fan inlet communicative with said ambientair inlet for drawing ambient air into said pedestal for conditioningand a fan outlet communicative with said first and said secondconditioned air outlets for supplying conditioned air to users; and afirst heat exchanger within said table pedestal and interposed betweensaid ambient air inlet and at least one of said first conditioned airoutlet and said second conditioned air outlet; wherein said first heatexchanger utilises evaporative cooling.
 8. An outdoor cooling devicewith integrated air conditioning as recited in claim 7, the devicefurther comprising: a table top provided proximate an upper portion ofsaid pedestal; said vertically disposed conduit positioned through acentral location of said table top; said table top being verticallypositioned between said plurality of first conditioned air outlets andsaid plurality of second conditioned air outlets.
 9. An outdoor coolingdevice with integrated air conditioning as recited in claim 8, thedevice further comprising: said plurality of first conditioned airoutlets being disposed proximate an edge of said tabletop; and atabletop conduit providing fluid communication between said verticallydisposed conduit and said first conditioned air outlet.
 10. An outdoorcooling device with integrated air conditioning as recited in claim 9wherein said tabletop conduit being disposed within said tabletopmember.
 11. An outdoor cooling device with integrated air conditioningas recited in claim 7 further including a fluid supply conduit fordelivering a working fluid to said first heat exchanger from a remoteworking fluid supply reservoir.
 12. An outdoor cooling device withintegrated air conditioning as recited in claim 7 further including auser controllable air register at each of said plurality of firstconditioned air outlets and said plurality of second conditioned airoutlets.
 13. An outdoor cooling device with integrated cooling forproviding conditioned air to users positioned adjacent to the coolingdevice, said cooling device comprising: a pedestal; a verticallydisposed conduit extending upwards from said pedestal; at least oneambient air inlet provided through said pedestal; a first conditionedair outlet vertically positioned at a height to coincide with a torso ofan adjacent human and a second conditioned air outlet positioned todirect conditioned air to coincide with a head of said adjacent human; afan within said pedestal, said fan having a fan inlet communicative withsaid ambient air inlet for drawing ambient air into said pedestal forconditioning and a fan outlet communicative with said first and saidsecond conditioned air outlets for supplying conditioned air to users; afirst heat exchanger within said table pedestal and interposed betweensaid ambient air inlet and at least one of said first conditioned airoutlet and said second conditioned air outlet; and a canopy disposed atan upper end of said vertically disposed conduit to entrap conditionedair; wherein said first heat exchanger utilises evaporative cooling. 14.An outdoor cooling device with integrated air conditioning as recited inclaim 13, wherein the canopy is collapsible.
 15. An outdoor coolingdevice with integrated air conditioning as recited in claim 13, thedevice further comprising: a light disposed upon said verticallydisposed conduit.
 16. An outdoor cooling device with integrated airconditioning as recited in claim 13, the device further comprising: atable top; said vertically disposed conduit positioned through a centrallocation of said table top; said table top being vertically positionedbetween said first conditioned air outlet and said second conditionedair outlet.
 17. An outdoor cooling device with integrated airconditioning as recited in claim 16, the device further comprising: saidfirst conditioned air outlet being disposed proximate an edge of saidtabletop; and a tabletop conduit providing fluid communication betweensaid vertically disposed conduit and said first conditioned air outlet.18. An outdoor cooling device with integrated air conditioning asrecited in claim 17 wherein said tabletop conduit being disposed withinsaid tabletop member.
 19. An outdoor cooling device with integrated airconditioning as recited in claim 13 further including a fluid supplyconduit for delivering a working fluid to said first heat exchanger froma remote working fluid supply reservoir.
 20. An outdoor cooling devicewith integrated air conditioning as recited in claim 13 furtherincluding a user controllable air register at each of said firstconditioned air outlet and said second conditioned air outlet.